Saints Could Land a TE In Early Rounds of Upcoming Draft

The New Orleans Saints have made a slew of surprising moves within the last few days that has added up to some actually good strategy.

When former cornerback Patrick Robinson languished in free agency, it seemed destined he’d rejoin the team after they tided up a few more ends.

But this wasn’t meant to be and Robinson ended up signing with the San Diego Chargers.

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Although they had depth on the current roster at that position there wasn’t really that much experience.

Even highly sought after corner Delvin Breaux is a mystery since he has mainly played in the Canadian Football League.

But enter Kyle Wilson who was wisely signed for the league minimum of $745,000 and essentially fills the void that the Saints were looking to bring Robinson back into.

Then on Friday evening it was announced that wide receiver Joe Morgan was making a return to the team after a more down than up career that was punctuated by his surprising release last season.

Morgan has always showed promise when he was on the field and his addition to the receiving corps allows him to take on a veteran role as well as filling the spot vacated by Kenny Stills.

The good strategy I mentioned is that up to this point I had thought that the clear choice in the first few rounds of the 2015 NFL Draft for the Saints would be obvious or at least seem to be obvious.

They’ll likely select a pass rusher with pick #13 in the first round and with the 31st pick most mock drafts have them either go with a wide receiver or cornerback.

At wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham and Philip Dorsett could entice an offensive pick or at corner there could still be Jalen Collins or Kevin Johnson available.

But with the recent additions, or should I say security, the Saints could afford to go in another direction besides those two positions.

And that would be with a tight end.

Oct 26, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Maxx Williams (88) runs with the ball after making a catch in the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at TCF Bank Stadium. The Gophers won 34-23. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Former Minnesota tight end Maxx Williams has been thought of as a first round talent and could be available when the 31st pick comes around.

In all of Williams evaluations his athleticism, speed, and ability to make seemingly almost impossible catches litter the page.

NFL.com noted in their evaluation that “eighty-two percent of his catches were for either a first down or touchdown”.

As far as blocking goes Williams was given positives on this as well although at 6’4″ 249 lbs., he needs to add a bit more bulk.

He was given an NFL comparison to the Dallas Cowboys Jason Witten(CBSSports.com) and, Saints fans will love this, Jeremy Shockey(NFL.com).

Now honestly going with a tight end in the first round even at #31 might be a bit too rich for the Black and Gold.

But there is another who could could be of interest in the second round.

Nov 15, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end Clive Walford (46) runs past Florida State Seminoles defensive end Chris Casher (21) for a touchdown during the second quarter at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Clive Walford formerly of Miami University is a player that according to WalterFootball.com had or will have a private workout with the Saints.

At 6’4″ 251lbs., Walford is viewed as being an extremely versatile tight end that can make contested catches as well as being a good blocker.

In Walford’s evaluation for NFL.com it says he is capable of lining up at “in-line, slot and as an H-back”.

Even though he suffered a hamstring issue during his recent Pro Day, the stock for the Walford has been on the rise especially after leaving a huge impression at the Senior Bowl.